COSTA MESA, Calif -- The Los Angeles Chargers are a franchise known for putting points on the scoreboard, going all the way back to the days of “Air Coryell” to more recent times with Philip Rivers and Antonio Gates.

But just focusing on that latest iteration of the Chargers’ offense, which dates back to 2013 when Mike McCoy took over the reins, the Chargers averaged 22 points per contest entering this season, No. 14 in the NFL over that span.

Even more impressive, the Chargers posted 44.6 percent efficiency on third down (No. 2 in the league) from 2013 to before the start of 2017.

But through nine games this year, the Chargers are averaging only 18.6 points a contest (No. 23 in the league) and 33.9 percent efficiency on third down (tied for No. 29 in the NFL).

With the help of ESPN NFL analyst Matt Bowen, we took a closer look at what’s happening with the Chargers on offense and some improvements they can make.

Solving third down woes

The Chargers’ struggles on third down are probably one of the most vexing issues for offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt.

“We haven’t been very good on third down, and that’s frustrating because we’ve been a good third-down team,” Whisenhunt said. “Those are the types of things that can help you get into a rhythm.

“Some of it’s our fault because we’ve made mistakes and penalties that put is in third-and-long, and it’s hard to be successful. But we’re working, trying every week to get better and get into that groove that we feel like we’re close to.”

In going back and reviewing last week’s game against Jacksonville, Bowen echoed Whisenhunt’s sentiments, noting a lack of execution by the Chargers on the money down in the opening quarter.

The Chargers finished 0-for-3 on third downs early, with a very manageable two or less yards to go for a first down on all three of those plays. For the game, the Chargers were 3-for-15 on third down (20 percent).

“I start there because you’re playing against one of the fastest defenses in the NFL on a cross country trip, and you’ve got to do the little things in the first quarter,” Bowen said. “You’ve got to win on third down and extend those drives.

“If anything, you flip the field and now you make Blake Bortles go against your defense and make them drive the field. That’s still a win for the offense. When you’re backed up and you can’t convert third downs because of lack of execution, then you’re putting yourself in a hole already.”

Keenan Allen has been an effective player for the Chargers on third down, leading the league with 21 receptions for 333 receiving yards.

Perhaps the Chargers need to rediscover and oldie but goodie on the money down -- Antonio Gates.

The 15-year veteran has just 16 receptions for 147 yards and a touchdown on the year. He appeared open for a first down on this play where Rivers threw an interception in last week’s overtime loss to the Jaguars.

From 2013 to 2016, Gates had 77 receptions for 918 receiving yards and nine touchdowns on third down.

More touches for Austin Ekeler

An undrafted rookie out Western State Colorado, Austin Ekeler had a career day against the Jaguars last week, finishing with 119 yards from scrimmage and two receiving touchdowns.

Bowen said that Ekeler should continue to have a consistent role in the offense for the Chargers.

Ekeler has proved a more effective runner than Melvin Gordon out of shotgun formations. And with a Chargers’ offensive line struggling to get a push up front, a smaller back like Ekeler can squeeze through a smaller crease in the defense more often and can make things happen on the perimeter in the passing game with his elusiveness.

“I like what they did with the rookie running back,” Bowen said. “I think they need to do that more. You look at the personnel on the Chargers right now, and they don’t really have a matchup player.

“Keenan Allen is one of the best route runners in the NFL. Tyrell Williams has been extremely inconsistent this season. You get Mike Williams in there, and now you’ve got someone with a big body.”

Better execution in short-yardage situations

Gordon has obviously struggled in short yardage situation this year, including failing to get into the end zone from a yard out against the Denver Broncos earlier this year, drawing the ire of head coach Anthony Lynn.

Per ESPN Stats & Information, Gordon has only converted a first down on third-and-1 or fourth-and-1 on five of 11 rushes (45.5 percent) this season, down from 75 percent (9 of 12) last year.

Among the 16 players with at least six rushes on third- or fourth-and-1 this season, only New England Patriots running back Mike Gillislee (44 percent) has a lower first-down conversion percentage than Gordon.

However, Whisenhunt isn’t putting all of the blame on Gordon.

“If Melvin could beat 11 guys by himself, I’d give it to him every time, and it would be easy,” Whisenhunt said.

“Let’s not forget versus Tennessee last year, and there have been times we’ve been able to do it, and it’s something we always strive to do. A lot of times when you’re going against a team like Jacksonville, who is very good up front, it’s not easy to do that. We have been able to do that this year. Unfortunately, we weren’t in that game. We’re a work in progress.”

Get Hunter Henry involved

According to ESPN Stats & Information, the Chargers are 3-1 this season when Hunter Henry is targeted at least five times and 0-5 when he’s targeted fewer than five times.

So you would think the Chargers would be doing their best to make sure Henry is regularly part of the game plan. And to his credit, Whisenhunt agrees.

“What you don’t see is those plays that are supposed to go to him, and for whatever reason we don’t hit them,” Whisenhunt said. “So don’t think that we’re not trying to get Hunter the ball. But it’s a little like what I said about Melvin (Gordon), if I could give it to him and he could beat 11 guys, that would be great.

“But we put in plays that are designed to go to Hunter, but in this league you have to be a read-progression offense. So sometimes they take that away. There are games it goes go to him. Obviously, he’s a very good football player, and we want to get him the ball.”